My resolutions were tested today. Technically I failed, but overall I think I succeeded quite well.

For my latest leg of the journey, I have decided to be vegan. From much reading, watching, and research, I have decided that a whole foods-plant based diet (easiest way to say that to other people is just 'vegan') is the best and healthiest choice for me. I tried the Paleo diet because it mostly stands on the single legged argument that it is based on what our bodies 'are naturally created to eat'. Now, I do agree that we were/are designed to eat meat, but on a much, much smaller scale than what is being promoted in today's society. Centuries ago, when a hunter went out and caught an animal in the woods, that animal would then usually feed the entire village!! Chickens could probably feed at least an entire family, and not even the fattened chickens of today's standards. One 'serving' of meat then was a probably a lot closer to the proper portion of the size of a deck of cards, and was probably once or twice a week... if that. When people did not have meat, what was left? Plant-based foods!! And no that does not mean onion rings, potato chips, or even whole-wheat bread. It means whole, natural foods the way they were intended to be eaten - not processed, not loaded with sodium, and definitely not fried.

I have not completely jumped on the bandwagon of the "raw" revolution. I still do cook some of the foods I am eating, but overall not all of it. It is a fine line, for fresh produce, to where cooking it can allow some of the nutrients to escape or be 'cooked out'... But that is also why I have learned to love juicing! When juicing produce, it is reduced down to the most essential nutrients, and no longer has the fibrous elements. Juicing allows me to ingest a much higher level of healthy nutrients and vitamins, without actually having to eat that huge quantity of food! Also, because juicing simply is extracting the essential juices from the vegetables, there is not as much of the fiber left intact, which makes it much easier for the body to digest. Or in other words, a lot less gas from all the green stuff!! :D

Anyways, back to today's failings. I went to a luncheon this morning where I was not allowed to pre-chose my food because it was simply an assortment of appetizers. The tables were spread and it all looked delicious, but I can pretty much guarantee you that with all the amount of food, the was only one single option that fit my 'vegan' life style - strawberries. Which, were actually intended for the huge fountain of flowing chocolate behind the big bowl of strawberries. So, instead of sitting there starving for two more hours and binging on something I knew I'd completely regret, I indulged in two mini quiches. This is why I say that I technically failed. We all know that a quiche does not fit the vegan rules, it's all egg!! Not to mention the yummy flaky crust doesn't exactly fit my rules of no wheat and also the rule of 'whole, non-processed foods'. But, I think this is just one of those instances where I have to go back to my commitment of 90% vegan for now as I'm making the transition and allow myself that 10% slip-up, but at least stick to being 100% vegetarian.

I know that this is not the last time my resolutions will be challenged. But, I'm at least hoping to stand firm and be much more grounded next time and have the willpower to say no, and also the courage to explain why. I'm so afraid of telling  people I'm vegan now because I am afraid of what they might say.